Camber Sands just outside Rye is a magnificent stretch of sandy beach in East Sussex backed by a long ridge of sand dunes, the only sand dunes in East Sussex.
The beach runs from the eastern banks of the river Rother at Rye Bay all the way to the Kent border (about 5 km). The dunes include a Site of Special Scientific Interest and are a Site of Nature Conservation Importance and as you can imagine, the dunes are a haven for wildlife.
Getting there
Access to to Camber Sands is via Lydd Road which runs from Rye to Lydd. The number 711 bus also goes from Rye to Camber Sands. There are a number of car parks (pay on entry) which then give direct access to the beach.
Life’s a beach
Camber Sands has is a life guard service on the beach and the main attractions have to be playing in the sand, taking a dip in the sea, enjoying a moonlit stroll along the sand dunes or stretching out with some sunrise yoga on the beach.
For the adrenaline junkies, there is a Kitesurf Centre which offers kit hire and lessons and there is a designated kitesurfing area. A short distance away, you’ll also find Rye Watersports on a small lake where they offer windsurfing, wingfoil, SUP and sailing lessons. Just behind the beach is the famous Rye Golf Club although don’t expect to get an impromptu game because the waiting list is about 25 years and as a private club, they state, they offer “very limited opportunity to welcome visitors”.
Rye to Camber tramway
Between 1895 and 1939, a tramway connected Rye to the coast. It was about 2.8 km in length, and had three stations – Rye, Golf Links and Camber Sands. It operated mainly to transport golfers and holidaymakers.
Local walks
There is nothing nicer than a long walk on the beach feeling the sand between your toes, but for those that fancy something longer:
5 km walk via the tramway and golf course
Head west along the beach until you come to the river Rother at Rye Bay. You can walk via the dunes or along the beach. From there, there’s a track that runs along the bank of the river towards Rye Harbour and you’ll see the distinctive fisherman’s hut on the opposite side. When you come to the Harbour Master’s building you almost double back following the old tramway across the golf course. This eventually brings you out in the sand dunes at Camber Sands and then you just head back to where you started.
12 km circular walk
Follow the above route but keep walking when you get to the Harbour Master and follow the river until you see the lake to your right. You can walk all the way round the lake and then retrace your steps back to the beach.
Walk to Rye
You can walk to Rye and it’s about 5-6 km but if you don’t want to walk, there is a shared cycle path (National Cycle Route 2) most of which is off road. Bike hire is available in Rye Harbour.
Top tip
Camber Sands can get busy on hot sunny days but to have the beach to yourself, get up early and watch the sunrise! If you’re walking along the river banks, you’ll hear a vast variety of birdsong. Or book yourself into The Gallivant and enjoy a sunset hamper in the sand dunes!
If you’ve enjoyed this post about Camber Sands, and are looking for other things to do in the area, you may also like:
Pitts-Stop at Harry’s restaurant, The Gallivant at Camber Sands
